Douglas XCG-17
| Douglas XCG-17 | |
|---|---|
 XCG-17 in flight operations |
|
| Type: | Glider |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
June 17, 1946 |
| Number of pieces: |
1 |
The Douglas XCG-17 (also known as the XCG-47) was an American prototype that was built by converting a twin-engine Douglas C-47 Skytrain as a single specimen for test purposes at the Douglas Warcraft Company in Long Beach. The United States Army Air Forces tested this prototype in 1946, which was to be used as a so-called Assault Glider as a troop transport for combat operations. The first flight took place on June 17, 1946.
history
For a simple experiment, the two engines of a C-47 Skytrain with the approval N69030 were removed and the engine nacelles were closed by an aerodynamic hood. The Air Forces planned to use the CG-17 in aircraft tow from the Philippine island of Luzon to Tokyo , Japan . This flight was intended to prove the suitability of large sailplanes for the transport of troops in the towing operation. After the first test flights, however, the configuration of the XCG-17 was dismantled into a C-47 Skytrain in August 1946. Series production did not take place.
Technical specifications
The cargo hold of the XCG-17 had a loading capacity of around 6800 kg, alternatively, this corresponded to the possibility of transporting around 40 fully equipped soldiers.
- Crew: 4 (pilot, copilot, navigator, radio operator)
- Capacity: 40 soldiers or a payload of 6,800 kg
- Length: 19.43 m
- Span: 29.41 m
- Height: 5.18 m
- Wing area: 91.70 m²
- Max. Takeoff weight: around 15,000 kg
- Maximum speed 290 mph (467 km / h) maximum towing speed
- Cruising speed: 305 km / h with aircraft tow
- Stable: 56 km / h
- Best glide ratio: 1:14
literature
- Charles Day: "The XCG-17 Glider". Research conducted for Silent Ones: WWII Invasion Glider Test and Experiment, Clinton County Army Air Field, Wilmington, Ohio.
- Taylor, Michael (1991). Jane's American Fighting Aircraft of the 20th Century. New York: Mallard Press. ISBN 0-7924-5627-0 .